I'm A Self-Tanner Skeptic, But This One Gives The Perfect Sun-Kissed Glow

As much as I love the look of sun-kissed skin, I value my skin's longevity more. Instead of UV rays, I rely on DHA to get a bronzed glow all year long. But not all DHA or dihydroxyacetone is the same.

While the active ingredient found in most self-tanners reacts to your body in the same way—interacting with amino acids in dead skin cells to create melanoidins—it can come from either a chemical or natural source.

Chemically derived DHA is the most common, and it often contains toxins like parabens, formaldehyde, and petrochemicals. The UV rays don't sound so bad!

Luckily, naturally derived DHA, like that found in Coco & Eve Micromist, offers the perfect alternative. It still gives your skin a golden glow but you skip the ingredients that might give you pause. (We always look for natural DHA when vetting the best self-tanners.)

Since I'm often turned off by the ingredients in self-tanning products, I was happy to find out that the Coco & Eve Micromist is made without silicones, toxins, or parabens.

The vegan formula is PETA-approved and crafted with ethically sourced ingredients, including a 100% natural DHA.

DHA is the key ingredient in self-tanner responsible for giving you a bronzed glow, but not all DHA comes from the same source. It can be derived from natural ingredients, like beetroot, or created with chemicals.

Coco & Eve opts for natural DHA, which it combines with other active ingredients. Cassia seed extract, a plant extract similar to hyaluronic acid, helps boost hydration, while an antioxidant complex aims to firm skin and boost collagen production.

After trying the Coco & Eve Micromist, I started dabbling in other tanning drops and lotions—but no formula goes on as seamlessly as this spray.

It's the easiest to use (by far) and achieves the most even, natural results. In other words, no streaks here. I follow the brand's instructions to a T—and the entire process takes less than five minutes.

The best part? Serums, eye creams, moisturizers, and makeup can be applied as soon as the spray is absorbed. I give the formula about 30 seconds to fully sink into my skin before I move through my typical skin care routine. 

You'll start seeing a subtle glow within six hours of application, with the final tan lasting up to four days.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when products run out too quickly. I'll fall in love with a new moisturizer, hair spray, or face wash, only to discover that it needs to be restocked within a few uses. This micromist, on the other hand, truly gives me my money's worth.